Characterization Of Phenolic Compounds Research Articles

Heliotropium procubens Mill: Taxonomic Significance and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds via UHPLC-HRMS- In Vitro Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities.

The aim of the present study was the phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of Heliotropium procumbens Mill., a herb from Boraginaceae plant family not previously studied. The methanol (ME) and aqueous extracts (WE) of the aerial parts were assayed for their total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant properties, using free radical scavenging (DPPH, ABTS), reducing power (FRAP, CUPRAC), phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating assays. The extracts displayed considerable free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, with potential values of 46.88 and 68.31 mg TE/g extract for ME, and 93.43 and 131.48 mg TE/g extract for WE, respectively. Key clinical enzymes involved in neurodegenerative diseases AChE and BChE, diabetes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and skin whitening (tyrosinase) were also assayed. The phytochemical profile of the studied species was determined through UHPLC-HRMS, whereby 26 secondary metabolites were identified, three of which (luteolin-7-glucoside, lithospermic and rosmarinic acids) were isolated and structurally determined by NMR spectral means. H. procubens was found to harbor bioactive metabolites and could, hence, serve as a source of biological activities which could be further explored and exploited for potential applications.

Extraction and characterization of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity from avocado seed (Persea americana mill)

The increase in the demand for Hass avocado has brought a rise in the generation of inedible waste such as peel and seed, by-products that are rich in bioactive substances. In the present study, aqueous, ethanolic, and supercritical fluid extracts were obtained from fresh seed and dry seed, which were analyzed to determine the antioxidant capacity measured through 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH); 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods as well as the content of phenolic compounds. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of strains of food interest, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium and Escherichia coli was evaluated. The ethanolic extract of fresh seed presented the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The aqueous extract of fresh seed registered a significant antioxidant capacity but an absence of antimicrobial activity. In contrast, the ethanolic extract of dry seed showed a representative antimicrobial activity on both S. enterica Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes, but low antioxidant activity. E. coli exhibited resistance against all the assessed extracts. The results from this work highlight the opportunity to consider the Hass avocado seed extracts as a novel alternative to replace or reduce the use of synthetic antioxidant and antimicrobial additives in food. Keywords: Waste by-product; Aqueous extract; Ethanolic extract; Supercritical extraction; Polyphenols; Free radical.

The characterization of phenolic compounds via LC-ESI-MS/MS, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activities of Salvia absconditiflora, Salvia sclarea, and Salvia palaestina: A comparative analysis

Salvia L. genus, one of the medicinal and aromatic plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is represented by many endemic species in temperate regions worldwide. The Salvia species have plenty of usages in traditional medicine, important pharmacological effects and economic value. In this context, this study was conducted to evaluate the chemical profile and potential bioactivity of ethyl acetate extracts from 3 different Salvia species; Salvia absconditiflora (Salvia cryptantha- an endemic species), S. sclarea and S. palaestina collected from different localities in Anatolia. Total phenolic-flavonoid contents, antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibition experiments were investigated in tested Salvia species. The phenolic profiles were also determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The analysis revealed the presence of phenolic compounds in ethyl acetate extracts such as cynaroside, rosmarinic acid, cosmosiin, luteolin, apigenin and acacetin. The highest level of phenolic components was detected in S. absconditiflora with 74.16 mg GAE/g. The best radical scavenging and reducing abilities were found in S. absconditiflora (DPPH: 251.39 mg TE/g; ABTS: 340.16 mg TE/g; CUPRAC: 496.20 mg TE/g; FRAP: 322.94 mg TE/g). Moreover, the inhibition of AChE, BChE, and α-amylase has also been studied. The most potent AChE inhibitory ability was recorded in S. sclarea (4.00 mg GALAE/g), followed by S. palaestina (3.38 mg GALAE/g) and S. absconditiflora (3.01 mg GALAE/g). The extracts exhibited similar amylase inhibitory effects. These results reveal that Salvia species [S. absconditiflora (S. cryptantha), S. sclarea and S. palaestina] confirming their potential can be rich sources of promising bioactive compounds as a starting point for further analysis. In addition, it is thought that this study may be the new report for the construction of helpful databases in terms of shedding light on future research and researchers with the valuable information obtained about these economically important Salvia species.

Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Macaranga barterion selected haematological and biochemical indices of carrageenan -induced paw edema in Wistar albino rats

This research was designed to determine the anti- inflammatory and quantitative characterization of phenolic compounds in aqueous leaf extract of Macaranga barteri on carrageenan induced paw edema in wistar rats. Phenolic compound was characterize using GC-MS. Twenty wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 120-140g were grouped into 5 with four (4) rats per group. Group 1 served as the normal control which received distilled water, group 2 (negative control) rats received 1% carrageenan only, groups 3 and 4 were treated with aqueous leaf extract of M. barteri, group 5 was treated with diclofenac, 30 minutes after receiving 1% carrageenan, the changes in paw sizes were observed hourly for 3 hours. Rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected for haematological and biochemical analyses. Phenolic compounds detected were 2-nitro phenol (3.29 ppm) and 4-chloro-3-methyl-phenol (5.09ppm). Significant reduction in rat paws oedema was observed when rats in group 4 were compared with group 2 at 3hours with percentage oedema inhibition of 46.91. Mean ESR of rats in groups 2, 3 and 5 significantly increased and group 4 none significantly reduced when compared to control. Non-significant differences in mean WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, significant reduction of mean eosinophil counts in groups 2 and 3 and non-significant increase in group 4 when compared to control. Significant increase in mean CRP concentration was observed when group 2 was compared to control group and a significant reduction in group 4 treated with 500mg/kgb.wt. When compared to group 2. Mean concentrations of Il-6 and prostaglandin significantly increased in all the groups when compared to control. Aqueous leaf extract of M. barteri demonstrated near average percentage paw oedema inhibition and mild anti-inflammatory potential at 500mg/kg b.wt.

Argentinian Sugar Cane Vinasse: Characterization of Phenolic Compounds and Evaluation of Adsorption as a Possible Remediation Technique

Chemical composition of sugar cane vinasse (Tucumán, Argentina) was studied finding high concentration of organic compounds. Phenolic compounds were partially characterized, finding mostly flavonoids, anthocyanins, as well as resorcinol and ferulic acid derivatives. Adsorption isotherms of phenolic compounds and total organic compounds were measured on four commercial activated carbons with different physical and chemical properties at two temperatures. The isotherm shape depends on the type of carbon and the adsorption capacity is enhanced as temperature increases. Enthalpies of the adsorption process were estimated, revealing that the adsorption of organic compounds is a chemisorption process, while the adsorption of phenolic compounds is a physisorption process on three of the tested carbons and a chemisorption process on the other one (CONCARBO).

High hydrostatic pressure assisted by food-grade enzymes as a sustainable approach for the development of an antioxidant ingredient

Apple is one of the most important fruits in the world. The elaboration of apple-based products such as cider or apple juice generates around 3–4.2 million tonnes of apple by-product that are annually discarded. Apple by-product has been described as an interesting source of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. These valuable components, once extracted, could enable the usage of the apple by-product as a natural antioxidant ingredient. The aim of the present work was to address the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), and HHP assisted by two alternative food-grade enzymes, Celluclast®, and Ultraflo®. For that purpose, the total phenolic content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu and Fast-Blue BB assays. Furthermore, antioxidant capacity was determined by three analytical methods (DPPH, ORAC and FRAP) and the characterization of phenolic compounds was carried out by Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry analysis. Results indicated a significant increase of the total phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity after the HHP aided by Celluclast® or Ultraflo® treatment. Conversely, the exclusive application of HHP induced minor changes. Thus, the combination of HHP and the food-grade enzymes Celluclast® or Ultraflo®, has proved to be an effective strategy for the extraction of natural antioxidant compounds from the apple by-product.

Functional food obtained from fermentation of broccoli by-products (stalk): Metagenomics profile and glucosinolate and phenolic compounds characterization by LC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS

This research revalues broccoli stalk by-product as a novel fermented health food, using its autochthonous microbiota. Broccoli stalk slices were packed into glass jars, brine was added (6% w/v), and two dressings were studied: garlic, and mustard seeds. No dressing was used as control. Natural fermentation was carried out at 25 °C for 6 days followed by a further 6 days storage at 4 °C. The identification of individual glucosinolates and phenolic compounds was performed by LC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. At day 3, the highest content in functional compounds such as glucoerucin and indolic glucosinolates as glucobrassicin, 4-methoxy-glucobrassicin and 4-hidroxy-glucobrassicin, and phenolic acids and flavonoids as sinapic acid, 4-O-feruloyl quinic acid and quercetin-3-O-diglucoside was found. At day 6, the broccoli stalks reached the maximum counts in lactic acid bacteria (>8 log cfu g−1), remaining stable until day 12 at 4 °C, including as the main genera Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc. Metagenomic analysis identified 1009 bacteria genera; Latilactobacillus sakei was the most predominant lactic acid bacteria species, followed by Lactobacillus curvatus, Leuconostoc kimchi and Leuconostoc carnosum. This is an example of a vegan and functional food product, based on a circular economy model, using broccoli by-products.

Insight into Isolation and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) with Antioxidant, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase, and Neuroprotective Activities.

Recent epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a link between the consumption of daily functional fruits rich in phenols and the prevention of disease for neurodegenerative disorders. Hawthorn products are derived from the functional fruit hawthorn, which is rich in phenols and has been used around the world for centuries. In order to explore the phenolic components in hawthorn, the investigation of the ethanol extract led to the separation of five new phenol compounds (1a/1b, 2-4), including one pair of enantiomers (1a/1b), along with seven disclosed analogs (5-11). Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The compounds (1-11) were tested for antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonicacid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Apart from that, monomeric compounds 2, 4, and 6 exhibited more potent protective capabilities against H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide)-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Meanwhile, electronic analyses were performed using the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) to analyze compounds 2, 4, and 6. Furthermore, compounds (1-11) measured acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities, and 2, 4, and 6 possessed greater AChE inhibitory activity than donepezil. At the same time, molecular docking was used to investigate the possible mechanism of the interaction between active compounds (2, 4, and 6) and AChE.

Characterization of phenolics and discovery of α-glucosidase inhibitors in Artemisia argyi leaves based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and relevance analysis

Artemisia argyi leaves (AAL) has been widely used as herbal medicine and food supplement and in China and other Asian countries. The aim of this work is to qualitative and quantitative characterization of phenolic compounds in AAL and screening of natural product inhibitors of α-glucosidase from AAL. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) was employed to rapid and comprehensive identification of phenolic compounds in AAL, and a total of thirty-three phenolic compounds were identified. High performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was established and validated to simultaneously determinate ten main bioactive phenolics compounds in different batches of AAL samples. Meanwhile, the inhibitory capacities of different batches of AAL samples on α-glucosidase were evaluated. Then, relevance analysis, including grey relational analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to investigate the correlations between the contents of phenolic compounds and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and discover the α-glucosidase inhibitors in AAL. The relevance analysis results indicated that three phenolic compounds, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid could be potential α-glucosidase inhibitors in AAL. Moreover, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the three phenolic compounds were validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The possible inhibiting effect of the three phenolic compounds on α-glucosidase was also explored by molecular docking analysis, and the results indicated that the binding of the three α-glucosidase inhibitors to α-glucosidase mainly by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic forces and ionic bonds. The present research provided a deep insight into phenolic compounds and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of AAL, and discovered the α-glucosidase inhibitors in AAL.

Impact of Provenance on Phytochemical Attributes of Pigmented Landrace Maize Varieties

Maize is one of the most diverse cereal crops that contribute highly in calorie supply to human diet. Pigmented maize secondary metabolites which are phytochemicals of healthy importance include carotenoids and phenolics which act as precursors of vitamin A and antioxidants respectively. Pigmented landrace maize is cultivated by smallholder farmers in their localities. Three different pigmented maize varieties from different growing districts were analysed for total carotenoids content (TCC) and total phenolic content (TPC), using spectrophotometer. The districts experience a warm temperate climate and higher rainfall in summer than in winter but they differ in that Ntcheu has highest average annual temperature of 20.3°C while Dedza receives the highest annual precipitation of about 1010 mm. Mzimba has an average annual temperature of 20.1°C and receives about 915 mm of precipitation annually. Individual carotenoids were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). TCC were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Ntcheu and Mzimba provenances compared to Dedza. Lutein (22.84 ± 1.25 µg/g) and Zeaxanthin (23.16 ± 2.44 µg/g) were highest in landrace orange maize from Ntcheu. Mzimba provenance showed highest beta-cryptoxanthin (8.60 ± 2.15 µg/g). TPC were not significantly different between Dedza (204.29 ± 0.35 mg/Kg) and Mzimba (207.65 ± 0.22 mg /kg) red maize. Ntcheu provenance showed the least TPC (184.06 ± 0.61 mg/Kg). It seems provenance influenced phytochemical attributes of pigmented landrace maize varieties in some instances. This study also revealed that post-harvest handling of pigmented landrace maize affects phytochemical content. Care should, therefore, be taken in handling pigmented landrace maize to avoid phytochemical loses. Farmers and all other stakeholders in Malawi are encouraged to produce and include pigmented landrace maize varieties in their diets in order to gain the associated health benefits. Further studies are needed for complete characterisation of phenolic compounds of pigmented landrace maize of Malawi.

Studies of Phenolic Compounds Coupled to Minerals in Cocoa Beans of the “Mercedes” and “Forastero” Varieties from the Divo and Abengourou Regions (Côte d’Ivoire)

The aim of this study is to contribute to the valorization of the cocoa bean varieties “Mercedes” and “Forastero” grown in Côte d’Ivoire. A comparative characterisation of phenolic compounds and minerals in the beans of the “Mercedes” and “Forastero” varieties from two major cocoa production areas of Côte d’Ivoire were determined. The phenolic compounds of cocoa beans were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the minerals by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The study showed that a significant difference at the 5% level was observed in the averages of minerals, cinnamic acid, protocatechic acid, quercetin, coumaric acid, rutin, ellagic acid, veratric acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid and naringenin. On the other hand, no significant difference at the 5% level was observed in the averages of arbutin, catechin, vanillic acid and caffeic acid in the bean kernels analysed in the Divo and Abengourou regions. The proportion of cinnamic acid is (6.18±0.63 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo), that of ellagic acid is (18.48±0.44 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo) and that of naringenin is (5.95±0.35 mg/100g “Mercedes” Divo). The amount of potassium is (7569.97±1.51 mg/kg “Forastero” of Abengourou) and that of iron is (179.9 ± 0.70 mg/Kg “Forastero” of Divo). The phenolic compounds and minerals in the cocoa bean samples analysed are highly correlated and rich in antioxidants. They would be beneficial for many biological functions. They can be recommended in pharmacology and cosmetics to fight against oxidative stress and cardiovascular diseases.

Characterization of phenolic compounds, sterols and geographical fingerprint of Memecik extra-virgin olive oils according to their geographical locations by using LC IMS QTOF Mass Spectrometry

Memecik olive oil variety which cultivated in six different locations were evaluated the effects of geographical locations on the chemical characterization of in the southwest of Turkey. The agricultural ecological map of each location was created using GIS. Olive oil samples were analyzed fatty acid, sterol and phenolic. Moreover, LC IMS QTOF spectrometer and Progenesis QI software were used to determine the geographical fingerprints of olive oil samples in different locations. Results showed that oil qualities of all locations differ significantly depending on olive growing area (p <0.05). The Principal Component Analysis of the different locations analyzed revealed that "geographical location" factor significantly affects the olive oil quality.

Characterization of phenolic compounds, sterols and geographical fingerprint of Memecik extra-virgin olive oils according to their geographical locations by using LC IMS QTOF Mass Spectrometry

Characterization of phenolic compounds, sterols and geographical fingerprint of Memecik extra-virgin olive oils according to their geographical locations by using LC IMS QTOF Mass Spectrometry

Dynamic Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Analyses for Characterization of Phenolic Compounds and Their Biosynthetic Characteristics in Wheat Grain.

Phenolic compounds are important bioactive phytochemicals with potential health benefits. In this study, integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis was used to analyze the metabolites and differentially expressed genes in grains of two wheat cultivars (HPm512 with high antioxidant activity, and ZM22 with low antioxidant activity) during grain development. A total of 188 differentially expressed phenolic components, including 82 phenolic acids, 81 flavonoids, 10 lignans, and 15 other phenolics, were identified in the developing wheat grains, of which apigenin glycosides were identified as the primary flavonoid component. The relative abundance of identified phenolics showed a decreasing trend with grain development. Additionally, 51 differentially expressed phenolic components were identified between HPm512 and ZM22, of which 41 components, including 23 flavonoids, were up-regulated in HPm512. In developing grain, most of the identified differentially expressed genes involved in phenolic accumulation followed a similar trend. Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis revealed that certain genes encoding structural proteins, glycosyltransferase, and transcription factors were closely related to metabolite accumulation. The relatively higher accumulation of phenolics in HPm512 could be due to up-regulated structural and regulatory genes. A sketch map was drawn to depict the synthetic pathway of identified phenolics and their corresponding genes. This study enhanced the current understanding of the accumulation of phenolics in wheat grains. Besides, active components and their related genes were also identified, providing crucial information for the improvement of wheat's nutritional quality.

Dracocephalum palmatum S. and Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. Originating from Yakutia: A High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Approach for the Comprehensive Characterization of Phenolic Compounds

Dracocephalum palmatum S. and Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. contain a large number of target analytes, which are biologically active compounds. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in combination with an ion trap (tandem mass spectrometry) was used to identify target analytes in extracts of D. palmatum S. and D. ruyschiana L. originating from Yakutia. The results of initial studies revealed the presence of 114 compounds, of which 92 were identified for the first time in the genus Dracocephalum. New identified metabolites belonged to 17 classes, including 16 phenolic acids and their conjugates, 18 flavones, 5 flavonols, 2 flavan-3-ols, 1 flavanone, 2 stilbenes, 10 anthocyanins, 1 condensed tannin, 2 lignans, 6 carotenoids, 3 oxylipins, 2 amino acids, 3 sceletium alkaloids, 3 carboxylic acids, 8 fatty acids, 1 sterol, and 3 terpenes, along with 6 miscellaneous compounds. It was shown that extracts of D. palmatum are richer in the spectrum of polyphenolic compounds compared with extracts of D. ruyschiana, according to a study of the presence of these compounds in extracts, based on the results of mass spectrometric studies.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Wound-Healing Properties of EHO-85, a Novel Multifunctional Amorphous Hydrogel Containing Olea europaea Leaf Extract.

The excess of free radicals in the wound environment contributes to its stagnation during the inflammatory phase, favoring hard-to-heal wounds. Oxidative stress negatively affects cells and the extracellular matrix, hindering the healing process. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and wound-healing properties of a novel multifunctional amorphous hydrogel-containing Olea europaea leaf extract (OELE). Five assessments were performed: (i) phenolic compounds characterization in OELE; (ii) absolute antioxidant activity determination in OELE and hydrogel (EHO-85); (iii) antioxidant activity measurement of OELE and (iv) its protective effect on cell viability on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and keratinocytes (HaCaT); and (v) EHO-85 wound-healing-capacity analysis on diabetic mice (db/db; BKS.Cg-m+/+Leprdb). The antioxidant activity of OELE was prominent: 2220, 1558, and 1969 µmol TE/g by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, respectively. Oxidative stress induced with H2O2 in HDFs and HaCaT was normalized, and their viability increased with OELE co-treatment, thus evidencing a protective role. EHO-85 produced an early and sustained wound-healing stimulating effect superior to controls in diabetic mice. This novel amorphous hydrogel presents an important ROS scavenger capacity due to the high phenolic content of OELE, which protects skin cells from oxidative stress and contributes to the physiological process of wound healing.

Nutritional characteristics and phenolic compounds of ripe fruit pulp from six accessions of Mammea americana L.

Mamey apple (Mammea americana) is a tropical fruit largely consumed and more and more coveted as it is a rich source of antioxidants. There is considerable interest in fruits phenolic compounds due to their different characteristics and particularly to their role in protection against cardiovascular diseases and cancers through their antioxidant activity. Nutritional characteristics were determined in six mamey apple fruit accessions: Sonson, Pavé 11, Lézarde, Ti Jacques, Escouët and Antonio. The pulps of the ripe fruits were analyzed for moisture, ash, total lipid, total protein, and carbohydrate contents. This study represents a detailed report of phenolic compounds in mamey apple pulp. The metabolite profiling associated with the antioxidant potential represents an important step to the bioactive molecules characterization. The results showed that the accessions studied contained three main classes of phenolic compounds: flavan-3-ols, phenolic acids and flavonols. Those phenolic compounds characterization was then carried out first using liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to Diode Array Detector (DAD). Finally, spectral characteristics and fragmentations were acquired by Mass Spectrometry (MS) using the Electrospray Ionization Interface (ESI). All the identified compounds are interesting metabolites known for their biological properties and nutritional benefits

Characterisation of Phenolic Compounds, Sterols and Geographical Fingerprint of Çekişte Extra-Virgin Olive Oils According to their Geographical Locations by Using LC IMS QTOF Mass Spectrometry

In this context, aim of this study is to determine the effect of Çekişte olive oils in different locations and show differences on geographical locations while taking geographical indication label. Çekişte olive oil variety which cultivated in six different locations (Birgi, Bademli, Beyazit, Yeniceköy, Zeytinlik, Uzumlu) were evaluated the effects of geographical locations on the chemical characterization of in the southwest of Turkey. The agricultural ecological map of each location was created using GIS. Olive oil samples were analyzed fatty acid, sterol and phenolic. Moreover, LC IMS Qtof spectrometer and Progenesis QI software were used to determine the geographical fingerprints of olive oil samples in different locations. Results showed that oil qualities of some locations differ significantly depending on olive growing area (p <0.05), some of them not. The Principal Component Analysis of the different locations analyzed revealed that "geographical location" factor significantly affects the olive oil quality.

Determination and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Australia-Grown Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium L.) and Their Potential Antioxidant Properties

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are popular fruits around the world with a high nutritional value and abundant phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds of cherries contribute to positive health benefits. This study aimed at determining the phenolic content and antioxidant activities in four Australian-grown sweet cherry cultivars, including Bing, Ron’s, Merchant, and Lapins, as well as the identification of individual phenolic compounds with liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–quantum time-of-flight–mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–QTOF–MS2). Lapins exhibits the highest total phenolic content (TPC) value (1.73 ± 0.90 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) while Ron’s exhibits the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) value (0.51 ± 0.02 mg QE/g). In 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), reducing power assay (RPA), and total antioxidant content (TAC) assays, Merchant exhibited the highest values (0.51 ± 0.07, 1.74 ± 0.04, and 2.79 ± 0.09 mg AAE/g, respectively) and almost showed the highest antioxidant activity. Ron’s presented the highest value (1.21 ± 0.09 mg EDTA/g) in ferrous ion-chelating activity (FICA) assay and exhibits the strongest metal chelating ability. The correlation between phenolic contents and antioxidant assays was observed. In the LC–ESI–QTOF–MS2 analysis, a total of 43 phenolic compounds has been detected in four sweet cherry cultivars, including 11 phenolic acids, 25 flavonoids, 5 other phenolic compounds, 1 lignan, and 1 stilbene. Venn graph showed that Lapins has the greatest number of unique compounds. Our study shows the presence of phenolic acids and provides information to be utilized as an ingredient in food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries.

Phenolics from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Characterisation and Potential as Biostimulants and Bioprotectants.

Biostimulants and bioprotectants are derived from natural sources and can enhance crop growth and protect crops from pests and pathogens, respectively. They have attracted much attention in the past few decades and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural system. Despite not having been explored extensively, plant extracts and their component secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds have been shown to have biostimulant effects on plants, including enhancement of growth attributes and yield, as well as bioprotectant effects, including antimicrobial, insecticidal, herbicidal and nematicidal effects. Medicinal and aromatic plants are widely distributed all over the world and are abundant sources of phenolic compounds. This paper reviews the characterisation of phenolic compounds and extracts from medicinal and aromatic plants, including a brief overview of their extraction, phytochemical screening and methods of analysis. The second part of the review highlights the potential for use of phenolic compounds and extracts as biostimulants and bioprotectants in agriculture as well as some of the challenges related to their use.